Remote Control Cover

ABSTRACT

A polymeric article is fabricated having a window area covered with transparent film, creases which conform to remote control, and fasteners allowing adjustment. The cover is a barrier to the transfer of pathogens from the remote control to the hand holding the control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to television or other electronic remote control devices which are used in hotels and hospitals. Specifically, it relates to the cover placed over the remote control device which reduces the spread of viruses and other pathogens by providing a barrier. They may be biodegradable and inexpensive to manufacture.

Historically, cleansers or spray cleaners were used to kill bacteria on handheld remote controls. They consist of sprays in a cannister (Veltman et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,698) or cloths with solution on them. Spraying a remote control daily, over time, may compromise its electronic function and cleaning agents on cloths may seep into controls, impairing function. While relying on the hotel or hospital housekeeping crew, the task of daily cleaning remote controls is easily overlooked. Furthermore, there is no way to prove the controls have been sanitized.

It is well known that door knobs, keyboards, pens, remote controls and any object used by the hotel guest may contain millions of germs. Pathogens thrive on smooth or moist surfaces and viruses may survive more than four days. From this exposure, travelers may become ill, often ruining their trip or cancelling their business engagements.

In hospitals, the presence of pathogens present more serious consequences and may actually result in the premature death of a patient. A patient can enter a hospital for a routine surgery, have a successful surgery and end up gravely ill due to contact with a pathogen found in the hospital room.

Surfaces having a higher population of pathogens include remote or handheld controls for television, bed adjustment, pain killer and sleep apnea. By using a disposable cover, contamination risk may be reduced or eliminated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the damage to electronic remote devices from spray cleaners. Secondly, it affords the user confidence that the remote control they are using is sanitary as protected by this cover.

Due to this simple construct, an envelope type design is scored appropriately and able to be bound in booklets. The clear film window area allows the numbers and buttons to be easily viewed from the remote control. Small areas of adhesive facilitate adjustment for sizing depending on the dimensions of the remote control. For the hospital and medical equipment handheld controls, variations in design occur due to attachment of a cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the remote control cover;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the remote control cover as it is used;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view showing how it is fastened or adjusted;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the remote control cover for a hospital type remote control cover;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tablet of remote control covers.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of variations of control covers

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, the cover is shown as an open single sheet. When it is folded along lines 11, it will form a rectangle FIG. 2. It will attach and adjust as indicated by areas 12 as it is shown in FIG. 3. The window area in FIG. 1 is covered by a film 13 which will allow visual display of controls 22 as in FIG. 2. The reflective strip 14 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the placement 20 of the remote control 23 inside the cover permitting the signal 21 to contact the receiver. FIG. 3 depicts how the cover is placed over the remote 30 how it is fastened 32 and how it is adjusted for different sizes of remote controls 31.

FIG. 4 shows a variation of the cover 40. The control is slipped into the pocket 43. The strap is folded down on the fold 41 and attaches at 42 for stability. An opening for the cable attaching is shown 44 and may vary depending on the configuration. FIG. 5 shows the control cover booklet 50, the cover of the booklet 51 and the perforation 52 to remove one sheet 53 at a time. FIG. 6 shows variations of the control cover relating to the types of remote control. A pain control button 61 is a smaller type of remote control and may be rolled into the cover and fastened 12, and a non folding type 62 which is more like a bag.

The constricted band 63 provides stability and adjustment while allowing the signal 21 to connect. The opening for a cable connection 44 is placed on the side. 

1. A remote control cover comprising: a window area on the top section, folded sides which correspond to side of remote control device a reflective material to locate the remote control and cover in dim light fasteners which enhance security and adjustability of cover;
 2. The device of claim 1 which have fasteners on sides and/or end to allow for holding securely;
 3. The device of claim 1, whereas the fasteners may allow adjustment for range of sizes of remote controls;
 4. The device of claim 1 having at least one open end;
 5. The device of claim 1, comprised of materials which may or may not be biodegradable;
 6. The device of claim 5 which may or may not be self-sanitizing material;
 7. The device of claim 2 which includes adhesives, velcro, tapes, thread, staples, snaps or other means of attachment;
 8. The device of claim 1 may occur in singles or pads, fastened together;
 9. The device of claim 1 which may include a non-folded variation;
 10. The device of claim 1 which may include a variation on design as it relates to shape of the electronic device which it is covering. 